State Rep. Mary Whiteford’s plan to establish a hotline to connect individuals experiencing a mental health crisis with the support they need was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate Health Policy Committee today.

The hotline would be available 24 hours a day and provide access to any Michigan resident in need.

Whiteford, chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee, said she was inspired by the many individuals she heard from during last year’s statewide House C.A.R.E.S. Task Force tour and by her own experience as an emergency room nurse.

“Most people don’t know where to turn when experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Whiteford, of Casco Township. “Many of them head to the emergency room, but that really isn’t the right place for them. Hotline personnel will help point people in the right direction. We must ensure everyone knows they have mental health care available to them, regardless of their insurance coverage.”

The bill now waits to be considered by the full Senate